James Evans, one of America’s favorite TV dads in the 1970s, was a strong black male who didn’t take any mess from his children or outsiders. Played by actor John Amos on the hit sitcom Good Times, he was one of the first African American fathers depicted positively on television.
We all know that James Evans was a fantastic father and husband, but the actor John Amos accomplished much more in his acting career and multiple other professions. Here are some significant facts about Amos.
John Amos played in the NFL.
Amos grew up in a family that valued education but was also a talented athlete. He excelled at football in college and had the opportunity to play professional football with the Norfolk Neptunes in the 1960s. The actor would later sign a free-agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs but later pursued his heart as a writer.
Amos had a role on the Mary Tyler Moore Show.
John Amos’ first significant TV role was in the 1970 sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He starred in the show from 1970 to 1973 and was the only black character. He played Gordy Howard, the weatherman. Amos left the show after three seasons and appeared on Good Times as James Evans less than a year later.
He was a Social Worker.
Before pursuing acting, Amos worked as a social worker in New York. He graduated with a sociology degree from Colorado State University. The actor then used his degree at the Vera Institute of Justice, where he worked with defendants at the Brooklyn House of Detention.
He was a Golden Glove Boxing Champion.
After college and before playing professional football for a couple of years, Amos was a one-time golden glove boxing champion, which solidified him as a fantastic actor and well-rounded athlete.
